Keeping up with the Yankees is going to be tough and with that in mind I think the Rays need a thumper at DH and another lefty reliever for the pen. I would go after Adam Dunn of the Nationals. I would offer them lefty starting pitcher Alex Torres, righty starter Aneury Rodriguez, catcher Dioner Navarro and outfielder Matt Joyce. I think the Nationals would take that offer not knowing if Dunn will re-sign with them after the season. Then I would call up the Cleveland Indians and offer them Andy Sonnanstine straight up for lefty reliever Rafael Perez. I think the Indians would take that deal with the idea of starting Sonnanstine who is from Ohio. Getting Perez would allow Randy Choate to only pitch to lefty hitters which is his most effective role. Making these two trades would put a scare into the Yankees.

Wade Davis has been struggling and he’s also being mentioned as a trade chip for the Rays right now. If the Rays decide to trade Davis or replace him in the rotation look for the Rays to promote Jeremy Hellickson. Hellickson was the Rays’ #2 prospect heading into this season according to Baseball America. Hellickson has started 18 games in AAA-ball so far this year and he is 11-2 with a 2.21 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. He has only given up 94 hits in 105 2/3 innings this season while whiffing 104 batters in AAA this year. Hellickson also has outstanding control as he has only walked 26 hitters this year. The Rays really think that Hellickson is ready to join the rotation but they will need to make a move before giving him his first chance at the show.